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There they discover many new challenges. 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No money being made.\nWord Count: 3,941 multi-chapter 2k3\nSummary: Donatello and his brothers visit Niccolo Stockman's world to meet his family. There they learn the joys of venturing into the daylight and walking out in the open among humans. They also learn about the sacrifices that have to be made in order to earn that freedom and the prejudices that are a continuing battle.\nRatings will vary by chapter from G to NC-17\nSequel to Don and the Puzzle Box https://inkbunny.net/poolview_process.php?pool_id=35485\n~~The beautiful and touching preview image was created by the very talented Sherenelle and used with the artist's permission.\n", "description_bbcode_parsed": "Disclaimer: The TMNT are not mine. No money being made.
Word Count: 3,941 multi-chapter 2k3
Summary: Donatello and his brothers visit Niccolo Stockman's world to meet his family. There they learn the joys of venturing into the daylight and walking out in the open among humans. They also learn about the sacrifices that have to be made in order to earn that freedom and the prejudices that are a continuing battle.
Ratings will vary by chapter from G to NC-17
Sequel to Don and the Puzzle Box https://inkbunny.net/poolview_process.php?pool_id=35485
~~The beautiful and touching preview image was created by the very talented Sherenelle and used with the artist's permission.
", "writing": "\tEarly morning light had just begun to seep through the attic windows when Donatello woke. He felt Niccolo's cheek resting against his head and could tell from the pattern of his mate's breathing that he was awake.\n\n\t``'Morning,'' Don said sleepily.\n\n\t``Good morning,'' Nicco responded, pressing a kiss to Don's temple. ``Sleep well?''\n\n\t``With you? Always,'' Don answered, snuggling in closer.\n\n\tThey were quiet for a time as they held each other. Then Nicco asked, ``What are you thinking about?''\n\n\t``Yoshi,'' Don said. ``How old is he?''\n\n\t``Eight,'' Nicco said. ``Why?''\n\n\t``I saw the math problems he was working on,'' Don said. ``They were pretty advanced. But his pattern of speech sounds younger than eight.''\n\n\tNicco sighed. ``Life has been difficult for both Yoshi and Novan. When he gets to know you better, I'm sure Novan will share his history.''\n\n\t``Including how he came to be in his chosen profession?'' Don asked.\n\n\t``Yes, that too,'' Nicco said. ``Just for the record, he did choose to do what he does. No one forced him. I don't think I'm speaking out of turn by telling you that much.''\n\n\t``I'd like to know more,'' Don admitted. ``I get the sense that he's pretty deep, despite the flippancy he displays.''\n\n\t``He's . . . complicated,'' Nicco said. ``He once told me that if this were a perfect world, he would like to have been a journalist. He's got the intellect for it. I think he would have been a good one.''\n\n\tDon turned his head so he could look at Nicco. ``You admire him.''\n\n\tNicco smiled. ``I admire his perseverance and courage. Once you learn his story, I think you will too.''\n\n\t``Then why didn't the two of you . . . .?'' Don asked, trailing off when he wasn't sure how to finish the question.\n\n\t``Click?'' Nicco replied. ``There is something that happens between two beings, a kind of [i]fire[/i] that never ignited between us. We met at a time when I was under a great deal of stress and absolutely could not show it. Novan knew exactly what to do to release the pressure valve. We came to understand things about each other that took us beyond client and service provider.''\n\n\t``You became friends,'' Don said.\n\n\t``He needed one,'' Nicco said. ``Not that he would have acknowledged that. A person can be alone for only so long. In a way, I was a pressure release valve for him too.''\n\n\t``And then he met Mase?'' Don asked.\n\n\t``Yoshi has medical issues,'' Nicco said.\n\n\t``So I've gathered,'' Don murmured. ``Poor kid.''\n\n\t``Funny thing is, Mase and Novan met independently of me,'' Nicco said. ``Mase and Corius were becoming an item, which was a big no since they were in the same army unit. But our Captain . . . .''\n\n\t``The idiot,'' Don contributed.\n\n\t``That one,'' Nicco acknowledged. ``He either didn't notice or didn't care. And after he died and I was promoted, I wasn't about to split them up. They are too good a team together. Whenever they had leave, they would visit the mutant camps. The mutants were having a much harder time back then because the war was ongoing and people were much more suspicious. There was almost no medical care.''\n\n\t``Mase and Corius did volunteer work?'' Don asked.\n\n\t``Whenever they could,'' Nicco said. ``Professor Honeycutt was one of the few humans who also did volunteer work at the camps. The three of them met there. Though they soon found mutants who had a natural inclination for healing and were willing to become doctors, what they lacked was appropriate medications.''\n\n \t``Is that where the idea to form a pharmaceutical business came from?'' Don asked.\n\n\t``Yep,'' Nicco said. ``Mase is a passable emergency doc, but he's a scientist and engineer at heart. Finding the cure for illnesses or creating machines that work on mutants is his forte. Corius and the Professor are excellent scientists in their own right, but they don't have the . . . intuitive leaps that are a part of Mase's genius.''\n\n\t``And Yoshi?'' Don asked, pulling Nicco back to the original subject.\n\n\t``Novan didn't go to the camps very often back then,'' Nicco said. ``He has his own little place. But Yoshi is delicate and when he'd become ill beyond the point where homeopathic medicine worked, Novan would take him to the camp. He won't go near Honeycutt, but on one of the occasions when Yoshi was in bad shape it so happened that Mase and Corius were on leave.''\n\n\t``So Novan and Mase met at the camp,'' Don said. ``Novan didn't know that Mase was your brother?''\n\n\tNicco chuckled. ``I didn't talk about family when I was with Novan other than to acknowledge I had one. Our respective brothers didn't really come up as a topic of conversation because . . . .''\n\n\tHe paused, suddenly feeling awkward. Don grinned. ``Because conversation wasn't what you were there for.''\n\n\tThere was a long exhalation of relief from the older turtle. ``No it wasn't. Anyway, Mase recognized right away that Yoshi was having an allergic reaction to something and couldn't catch his breath. He also had a nasty skin rash that itched and hurt, which contributed to the panic that was blocking his airway. Mase had a jar of stuff that he'd concocted when we were younger and had tangled with some poison plant or other. It worked on our reptilian skin so Mase tried it on Yoshi and gave the kid immediate relief. An inhaler that humans use helped some with Yoshi's asthma, but the dosage and mixture wasn't exactly right.''\n\n\t``So did Yoshi's situation become the catalyst for the pharmaceutical business concept?'' Don asked.\n\n\tNicco shook his head. ``No, they'd already formed a sort of nebulous idea to do something of that sort if we managed to win the war. Yoshi's situation just firmed it up for them about how necessary a business of that sort was going to be. When they started it up one of the first things they did was to develop an inhalant that was better suited to a mutated being.''\n\n\t``That's the medicine that Yoshi takes? Apparently it works,'' Don said.\n\n\t``It does,'' Nicco said. ``It was the company's first big break through. Yoshi was a sort of test subject for them and he still is in many ways. Novan trusts Mase and Corius implicitly, and believe me when I say that earning Novan's trust is not easy.''\n\n\t``I do believe you,'' Don said. ``So Novan has no qualms about Yoshi being a sort of guinea pig for your brother?''\n\n\tA pained look crossed Nicco's face. ``None of us see the arrangement in that way. To Novan, Mase is Yoshi's primary care physician. Mase does nothing to Yoshi without consulting Novan and explaining everything completely. Experimentation is a sore subject with Novan.'' He cleared his throat. ``Actually, it's beyond a sore subject, but that's getting into the realm of things that I think should be left up to Novan to discuss.''\n\n\tRight then Don began to have an inkling of what Nicco was alluding to with regards to Donovan and Yoshino. If he was correct, it would explain many things.\n\n\t``I'm glad Novan and Mase found each other,'' Don said. ``Knowing Mase, I can only imagine what happened when he learned that you and Novan were already `acquainted'.''\n\n\tThis time Nicco laughed outright. ``Novan had altogether too much fun with that revelation. So did Mase.''\n\n\t``Do tell,'' Don demanded, his eyes twinkling with mischief.\n\n\tRather than answer, Nicco leaned in to kiss him. Keeping his lips near Don's when their mouths separated, Nicco said, ``We could talk about that now but my suggestion is that we make better use of our time.''\n\n\tDon curved an arm around his mate's neck. ``I could be encouraged to drop the subject.''\n\n\tJust as their lips connected once more, a voice called out, ``Warning, warning, coming up the stairs. Hide anything you don't want me to see.''\n\n\tThe pair separated, rising to their knees so they could see over one of the dressers just as Mikey's head popped up from below. He stopped before reaching the top step and leaned his forearms on the railing to look at Don and Nicco.\n\n\t``I figured you two were hiding up here when Don didn't come to bed,'' Mikey said with a grin.\n\n\t``Did you come up here to prove you were right, or was there a reason for the interruption?'' Don asked.\n\n\t``Oh, was I interrupting something?'' Mikey asked, a mischievous glint in his eyes.\n\n\t``Mikey,'' Don said, his voice carrying a warning tone.\n\nWaving his hands in a placating gesture, Mikey said, ``Okay, okay. Leo told me to find you guys and tell you he's calling a practice session. Someone told him there's a dojo here.''\n\n\t``I should have known he'd go into taskmaster mode as soon as I said that,'' Don halfway groaned. He looked pointedly at his brother. ``We'll be down in a few minutes.''\n\n\t``Hint taken,'' Mikey said and quickly made himself scarce.\n\n\tA little while later the pair were on their way downstairs together when they saw Novan looking up at them from the first floor hallway. His smirk as he spotted them clearly read [i]``I know what you two were doing''[/i].\n\n\tDon's face grew warm and he knew he was blushing. That only seemed to encourage Donovan.\n\n\t``My, but aren't you walking funny this morning, Donatello,'' Novan said.\n\n\tNicco glowered at him. ``Shut up, Novan.''\n\n\tRather than intimidating the albino turtle, it incited him to go further. ``I taught you well,'' he responded with a wink.\n\n\t``Why are you standing there?'' Nicco asked as he and Don began walking towards the kitchen.\n\n\t``I thought I'd accompany you out to the dojo,'' Novan said, trailing along with them. ``Michelangelo mentioned that there might be a sparring session this morning. You know how much I enjoy watching men trounce one another.''\n\n\tWhen Nicco reached the coffee pot he poured out two cups and handed one to Don. Novan shook his head in the negative when Nicco lifted the pot in his direction. ``I've already had a cup,'' Novan told him, picking up a bowl full of grapes.\n\n\tNicco set the pot back down and took a sip of his coffee. ``Let's take these out with us,'' he said, addressing Donatello. ``Leo doesn't like to be kept waiting.''\n\n\t``Letting someone else take the lead, darling?'' Novan cooed as they walked to the back door.\t\n\n\t``Don and his brothers have spent their entire lives learning to be ninjas and to fight as a team,'' Nicco explained. ``If I want to be a part of that, and I do, I have to train with them.''\n\n\t``Where is Yoshi this morning?'' Don asked.\n\n\t``He's still asleep,'' Novan answered. ``Mase kindly offered to keep an eye on him.''\n\n\t``Is he all right?'' Nicco asked with a concerned look.\n\n\t``He is tired,'' Novan said, appearing serious for the first time that morning. ``I am afraid those last couple of days before we came to you took a toll on him.''\n\n\t``You should have come to us straight away,'' Nicco said.\n\n\t``I am not going to run to you and your brother every time I encounter some sort of difficulty,'' Novan replied.\n\n\t``Do you remember what they say about pride?'' Nicco asked, stopping at the entrance to the building behind the house.\n\n\t``Takes one to know one, darling,'' Novan said, the smirk returning to his face.\n\n\tShaking his head, Nicco led the way inside. The other three turtles were already stretching when they entered and after quickly finishing their coffee, Nicco and Don joined them. Novan took a seat on the floor to one side of the room, well away from the padded area where the action would take place. He set the bowl on his lap and popped a grape into his mouth.\n\n\tAs Raphael went through his warm-up routine he found himself very aware of Novan. From the corner of his eyes he could see the albino throwing sly looks in his direction. Every couple of minutes, Novan would slowly slide a grape into his mouth, chewing sensually and then flicking a pink tongue across his lips as though relishing every last bit of its juice.\n\n\tRaph was used to having someone watching him during practice. His father had critiqued every move he'd made from an early age and as Master Splinter grew older, Leo had taken over his mantle. Both April and Casey had watched them practice on numerous occasions and April had even trained with them.\n\n\tRather than being self-conscious about those ruby red eyes raking over him, Raph felt an overwhelming need to prove himself. When they ran through a series of katas, every step he took was flawless.\n\n\tAfter they had completed the routine part of their workout, Leo signaled that it was time for everyone to move off of the floor. The group kneeled as they awaited Leo's instruction.\n\n\t``We're going to do some one-on-one sparring,'' Leo said. ``Nicco still needs the practice so he can learn our individual fighting techniques.''\n\n\t``We ain't fighting in these clothes, are we?'' Raph asked, tugging at his shirt. ``I know ya' agree with me that ya' can barely move in this stuff. How about we strip down before we get started?''\n\n\t``I'd like to second that motion,'' Novan said from the other side of the room.\n\n\tNicco looked over at him. ``Dojo etiquette, Donovan.''\n\n\t``Pardon the interruption,'' Novan said flippantly before sliding another grape into his mouth.\n\n\t``On this world we have to wear clothes,'' Don said. ``Maybe it would be best if we get used to fighting in them.''\n\n\t``I can fight in them if I have to, but ain't the point here that our advantage over this world's Hun is that he doesn't know the mutants have ninjas on their side?'' Raph asked.\n\n\t``I'll have to go with Raph on this one,'' Leo said. ``These clothes are loose fitting enough that they don't really hamper our movements but they do make more noise than we're used to. We'll spar without them.''\n\n\t``Good,'' Raph said, standing up to remove his shirt and pants.\n\n\tThe others made short work of their clothing as well. After folding the items neatly, they stacked them against the wall and then returned to their kneeling positions.\n\n\t``Raph, you're with me,'' Leo said, stepping back onto the floor mats.\n\n\tA corner of Raph's mouth lifted as he stood up to join his brother. They bowed to one another and then shifted into defensive postures.\n\n\tThe match was strictly hand to hand, no weapons. Leo was on his toes, moving fast and fluidly as he danced in to make strikes and then blocked or avoided Raph's. For his part, Raph felt more than motivated to take his brother down. Whether it was his normal competitive streak when it came to Leo, or the fact that he had an appreciative audience, Raph didn't give it much thought.\n\n\tThey were staying pretty even in their bout until Leo attempted a blow that he expected Raph to dodge so that he could counter it. As soon as he saw Leo's fist coming at him, Raph knew what his brother was trying to do.\n\n\tRather than move out of the way, Raph took the hit. Leo was already getting set for his counter move and was off balance. Raph caught his arm and threw his hip into Leo, dragging his brother up and over.\n\n\tLeo hit the ground hard. Having retained his grip on Leo's arm, Raph twisted it back and up, using his foot to flip Leo onto his plastron. Keeping Leo's arm bent up behind his back, Raph kneeled on his brother's carapace.\n\n\t``What do ya' say, bro'?'' Raph asked, a cocky expression on his face.\n\n\tTapping the floor mat with his free hand, Leo said, ``Yield.''\n\n\tRaph released him and stood aside to wait for Leo to rise. He couldn't help glancing towards Novan, though he'd been determined not to pay any mind to their audience.\n\n\tNovan smiled at him, a flash of respect in his expression. Flustered, Raph quickly looked away and returned his attention to Leo so that his could return his brother's bow.\n\n\tAs he was walking back to the sidelines, Raph heard Novan call out, ``Nice one, sweet cheeks.'' It wasn't hard to figure out that Novan was addressing him.\n\n\tNicco didn't bother to call Novan out for his side commentary. At a signal from Leo, both Nicco and Don stood up to spar against one another.\n\n\tThe morning passed quickly as each turtle faced off until they had all had the chance to be matched up. Each time Raph fought and won, his eyes would shift towards Novan who would in turn say something encouraging.\n\n\tJust when Raph began to think he was receiving all of Donovan's attention, the albino began to ignore him in favor of throwing out compliments to the other turtles.\n\n\tWhen Mikey bested Nicco, Donovan said, ``My, aren't you a flexible turtle''. During Donatello's bout with Mikey, the genius' superior strength helped him to pin and keep the younger turtle down. While Don was bent over Mikey, Donovan sang out, ``Oh, Nicco, I definitely see the attraction now!''\n\n\tThe last fight pitted Raphael against Niccolo. Both turtles were nearly matched in musculature, though Nicco had Raph on the height and reach advantage.\n\n\tAs they faced off, Novan lifted his hand towards the kneeling turtles and wiggled his fingers to catch Donatello's attention. In a loud whisper, he said, ``I think Nicco can take him.''\n\n\tWhen Leo gave him a disapproving look, Novan said, ``Sorry darling. Is that not done? It was just my opinion. I mean, look at Nicco. He's got such a nice reach and [i]very [/i]clever hands. [i]Donatello [/i]can agree with me, I'm sure.''\n\n\tDon put a finger to his lips, his eyes widening. Novan shrugged and returned the gesture, an impish expression on his face.\n\n\tOf course Raph heard every word. Fortunately he was used to training with Mikey and had learned to tune things out, but it still irked that Novan would sit there on the sidelines basically betting on who was going to win.\n\n\tNicco struck first, leading with a jab which Raph easily blocked. He moved back to dodge the next punch, but didn't quite make it out of range and Nicco's fist grazed his jaw.\n\n\t``I see what you mean about that reach,'' Mikey said. ``Raphie might be outclassed.''\n\n\tLeo turned his head to glare at his little brother and Mikey grinned before making a zipping motion across his lips. When Leo returned to watching the fight, Mikey glanced towards Novan, who winked at him.\n\n\tThe match remained even for a time, but Raph soon adjusted to Nicco's build and compensated for it, much the way he had the many times he'd fought Hun. Knowing that on this world he might eventually have to take on that blond giant again energized Raph.\n\n\tWith a final flurry of quick moves, Raph managed to catch Nicco moving forward and flipped up and over him. As he spun in mid-air, Raph grabbed the upper edge of the larger turtle's carapace and yanked down on it.\n\n\tThe momentum and Raph's body weight dragged Nicco backwards and down. Raph landed lightly and then leaped again, slamming an elbow into Nicco's stomach as he came down on top of him.\n\n\tIt was enough to knock the breath out of the older turtle, giving Raph time to pin him. When Nicco tapped out, Raph jumped to his feet and shouted, ``Yeah! That's right!''\n\n\tBreathing heavily, Raph stared pointedly at Novan, his gold eyes flashing. Without removing his gaze from the albino, Raph reached down to help Nicco up.\n\n\tNovan contemplated Raph with a look that held a certain amount of admiration. He didn't seem satisfied to leave it at that though.\n\n\t``Well, if Nicco hasn't been training with the four of you for very long, he's certainly doing a splendid job catching up,'' Novan said, the corners of his mouth lifted in amusement. ``It took you awhile to beat a novice.''\n\n\tRaph's eyes narrowed dangerously. ``It's damn easy to sit on the sidelines making comments. Why don't ya' get off your butt and show us what [i]you've [/i]got.''\n\n\t``Against you, darling?'' Novan asked, his eye ridges lifting.\n\n\tResting his fists on his hips, Raph said, ``Yeah, come on. I'll even take it easy on ya'.''\n\n\tNicco had taken his place next to Don and seemed about to say something, but then changed his mind and held his tongue. Don saw the movement and frowned at his mate, who shook his head.\n\n\tSetting the bowl of grapes aside, Novan rose easily to his feet, his motion smooth and fluid. Hands behind his back, he sashayed towards Raph, moving neither too fast nor too slow.\n\n\tAs he approached the larger turtle, it appeared that Novan wasn't going to stop, so Raph shifted his stance. He was just lifting his hands when both of Novan's flashed forwards and something hit Raph full in the face.\n\n\tSwiping frantically at the grapes that were pelting his skin and eyes, Raph suddenly felt something slam against his ankles. His legs went out from under him and he hit the ground.\n\n\tNovan pounced on top of him, grasping the top edge of his plastron and leaning in close. As Raph's arms lifted to push the albino off, Novan churred.\n\n\tThe sound immediately froze Raphael. Shocked into complete immobility, Raph didn't move in time to avoid having Novan grasp his wrists and pin his hands down next to his head.\n\n\tNovan's grip was surprisingly strong and he leaned his entire weight on his hands so that Raph couldn't move his arms. Though Raph could have twisted his body to try and pitch Novan off, the position they were in was already somewhat embarrassing, considering the effect that churr had already had on him.\n\n\t``That's not fighting!'' Raph spluttered indignantly.\n\n\t``That's called street fighting, darling,'' Novan said. His eyes traced over Raph's body. ``I figured you'd know something about that, but I guess appearance isn't everything.''\n\n\t``I know plenty about street fighting,'' Raph said. ``Ya' should have said ya' wanted to fight dirty.''\n\n\tNovan released Raph's wrists, his smirk turning into a cheeky grin as he raised a hand to show off his claws. ``Be glad I didn't use these.''\n\n\t``Ahem,'' Leo said, getting their attention. ``I believe we've probably had enough training for one day.''\n\n\tDonovan climbed off of Raph with the same supple movements he usually displayed, turning his back on the big turtle as he walked off the floor. He didn't see the look of grudging appreciation that Raph shot in his direction. It didn't last long as Raph realized he'd been left to clean up the grapes that had been smashed during their altercation.\n\n\tPicking up the bowl he'd brought with him, Novan waited for the other turtles to begin filing past him. When Nicco drew near, the pair exchanged looks and Donatello was close enough to read them. What he saw on Nicco's face clearly said, [i]``I know what you're doing.''[/i]\n\n\tThough Don didn't know Novan well, he could swear that his responding smirk said, [i]``I don't know what you're talking about.''[/i]\n\n\tDonatello was fairly certain that Novan did know what Nicco meant and that it had something specifically to do with Raphael.\n\n\tLater he would get Niccolo alone again. When he did, Don would ask him exactly what he thought was going on.\n\nTBC........\n\n", "writing_bbcode_parsed": "\tEarly morning light had just begun to seep through the attic windows when Donatello woke.  He felt Niccolo's cheek resting against his head and could tell from the pattern of his mate's breathing that he was awake.

\t``'Morning,'' Don said sleepily.

\t``Good morning,'' Nicco responded, pressing a kiss to Don's temple.  ``Sleep well?''

\t``With you?  Always,'' Don answered, snuggling in closer.

\tThey were quiet for a time as they held each other.  Then Nicco asked, ``What are you thinking about?''

\t``Yoshi,'' Don said.  ``How old is he?''

\t``Eight,'' Nicco said.  ``Why?''

\t``I saw the math problems he was working on,'' Don said.  ``They were pretty advanced.  But his pattern of speech sounds younger than eight.''

\tNicco sighed.  ``Life has been difficult for both Yoshi and Novan.  When he gets to know you better, I'm sure Novan will share his history.''

\t``Including how he came to be in his chosen profession?'' Don asked.

\t``Yes, that too,'' Nicco said.  ``Just for the record, he did choose to do what he does.  No one forced him.  I don't think I'm speaking out of turn by telling you that much.''

\t``I'd like to know more,'' Don admitted.  ``I get the sense that he's pretty deep, despite the flippancy he displays.''

\t``He's . . . complicated,'' Nicco said.  ``He once told me that if this were a perfect world, he would like to have been a journalist.  He's got the intellect for it.  I think he would have been a good one.''

\tDon turned his head so he could look at Nicco.  ``You admire him.''

\tNicco smiled.  ``I admire his perseverance and courage.  Once you learn his story, I think you will too.''

\t``Then why didn't the two of you . . . .?'' Don asked, trailing off when he wasn't sure how to finish the question.

\t``Click?'' Nicco replied.  ``There is something that happens between two beings, a kind of fire that never ignited between us.  We met at a time when I was under a great deal of stress and absolutely could not show it.  Novan knew exactly what to do to release the pressure valve.  We came to understand things about each other that took us beyond client and service provider.''

\t``You became friends,'' Don said.

\t``He needed one,'' Nicco said.  ``Not that he would have acknowledged that.  A person can be alone for only so long.  In a way, I was a pressure release valve for him too.''

\t``And then he met Mase?'' Don asked.

\t``Yoshi has medical issues,'' Nicco said.

\t``So I've gathered,'' Don murmured.  ``Poor kid.''

\t``Funny thing is, Mase and Novan met independently of me,'' Nicco said.  ``Mase and Corius were becoming an item, which was a big no since they were in the same army unit.  But our Captain . . . .''

\t``The idiot,'' Don contributed.

\t``That one,'' Nicco acknowledged.  ``He either didn't notice or didn't care.  And after he died and I was promoted, I wasn't about to split them up.  They are too good a team together.  Whenever they had leave, they would visit the mutant camps.  The mutants were having a much harder time back then because the war was ongoing and people were much more suspicious.  There was almost no medical care.''

\t``Mase and Corius did volunteer work?'' Don asked.

\t``Whenever they could,'' Nicco said.  ``Professor Honeycutt was one of the few humans who also did volunteer work at the camps.  The three of them met there.  Though they soon found mutants who had a natural inclination for healing and were willing to become doctors, what they lacked was appropriate medications.''

 \t``Is that where the idea to form a pharmaceutical business came from?'' Don asked.

\t``Yep,'' Nicco said.  ``Mase is a passable emergency doc, but he's a scientist and engineer at heart.  Finding the cure for illnesses or creating machines that work on mutants is his forte.  Corius and the Professor are excellent scientists in their own right, but they don't have the . . . intuitive leaps that are a part of Mase's genius.''

\t``And Yoshi?'' Don asked, pulling Nicco back to the original subject.

\t``Novan didn't go to the camps very often back then,'' Nicco said.  ``He has his own little place.  But Yoshi is delicate and when he'd become ill beyond the point where homeopathic medicine worked, Novan would take him to the camp.  He won't go near Honeycutt, but on one of the occasions when Yoshi was in bad shape it so happened that Mase and Corius were on leave.''

\t``So Novan and Mase met at the camp,'' Don said.  ``Novan didn't know that Mase was your brother?''

\tNicco chuckled.  ``I didn't talk about family when I was with Novan other than to acknowledge I had one.  Our respective brothers didn't really come up as a topic of conversation because . . . .''

\tHe paused, suddenly feeling awkward.  Don grinned.  ``Because conversation wasn't what you were there for.''

\tThere was a long exhalation of relief from the older turtle.  ``No it wasn't.  Anyway, Mase recognized right away that Yoshi was having an allergic reaction to something and couldn't catch his breath.  He also had a nasty skin rash that itched and hurt, which contributed to the panic that was blocking his airway.  Mase had a jar of stuff that he'd concocted when we were younger and had tangled with some poison plant or other.  It worked on our reptilian skin so Mase tried it on Yoshi and gave the kid immediate relief.  An inhaler that humans use helped some with Yoshi's asthma, but the dosage and mixture wasn't exactly right.''

\t``So did Yoshi's situation become the catalyst for the pharmaceutical business concept?'' Don asked.

\tNicco shook his head.  ``No, they'd already formed a sort of nebulous idea to do something of that sort if we managed to win the war.  Yoshi's situation just firmed it up for them about how necessary a business of that sort was going to be.  When they started it up one of the first things they did was to develop an inhalant that was better suited to a mutated being.''

\t``That's the medicine that Yoshi takes?  Apparently it works,'' Don said.

\t``It does,'' Nicco said.  ``It was the company's first big break through.  Yoshi was a sort of test subject for them and he still is in many ways.  Novan trusts Mase and Corius implicitly, and believe me when I say that earning Novan's trust is not easy.''

\t``I do believe you,'' Don said.  ``So Novan has no qualms about Yoshi being a sort of guinea pig for your brother?''

\tA pained look crossed Nicco's face.  ``None of us see the arrangement in that way.  To Novan, Mase is Yoshi's primary care physician.  Mase does nothing to Yoshi without consulting Novan and explaining everything completely.  Experimentation is a sore subject with Novan.''  He cleared his throat.  ``Actually, it's beyond a sore subject, but that's getting into the realm of things that I think should be left up to Novan to discuss.''

\tRight then Don began to have an inkling of what Nicco was alluding to with regards to Donovan and Yoshino.  If he was correct, it would explain many things.

\t``I'm glad Novan and Mase found each other,'' Don said.  ``Knowing Mase, I can only imagine what happened when he learned that you and Novan were already `acquainted'.''

\tThis time Nicco laughed outright.  ``Novan had altogether too much fun with that revelation.  So did Mase.''

\t``Do tell,'' Don demanded, his eyes twinkling with mischief.

\tRather than answer, Nicco leaned in to kiss him.  Keeping his lips near Don's when their mouths separated, Nicco said, ``We could talk about that now but my suggestion is that we make better use of our time.''

\tDon curved an arm around his mate's neck.  ``I could be encouraged to drop the subject.''

\tJust as their lips connected once more, a voice called out, ``Warning, warning, coming up the stairs.  Hide anything you don't want me to see.''

\tThe pair separated, rising to their knees so they could see over one of the dressers just as Mikey's head popped up from below.  He stopped before reaching the top step and leaned his forearms on the railing to look at Don and Nicco.

\t``I figured you two were hiding up here when Don didn't come to bed,'' Mikey said with a grin.

\t``Did you come up here to prove you were right, or was there a reason for the interruption?'' Don asked.

\t``Oh, was I interrupting something?'' Mikey asked, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

\t``Mikey,'' Don said, his voice carrying a warning tone.

Waving his hands in a placating gesture, Mikey said, ``Okay, okay.  Leo told me to find you guys and tell you he's calling a practice session.  Someone told him there's a dojo here.''

\t``I should have known he'd go into taskmaster mode as soon as I said that,'' Don halfway groaned.  He looked pointedly at his brother.  ``We'll be down in a few minutes.''

\t``Hint taken,'' Mikey said and quickly made himself scarce.

\tA little while later the pair were on their way downstairs together when they saw Novan looking up at them from the first floor hallway.  His smirk as he spotted them clearly read ``I know what you two were doing''.

\tDon's face grew warm and he knew he was blushing.  That only seemed to encourage Donovan.

\t``My, but aren't you walking funny this morning, Donatello,'' Novan said.

\tNicco glowered at him.  ``Shut up, Novan.''

\tRather than intimidating the albino turtle, it incited him to go further.  ``I taught you well,'' he responded with a wink.

\t``Why are you standing there?'' Nicco asked as he and Don began walking towards the kitchen.

\t``I thought I'd accompany you out to the dojo,'' Novan said, trailing along with them.  ``Michelangelo mentioned that there might be a sparring session this morning.  You know how much I enjoy watching men trounce one another.''

\tWhen Nicco reached the coffee pot he poured out two cups and handed one to Don.  Novan shook his head in the negative when Nicco lifted the pot in his direction.  ``I've already had a cup,'' Novan told him, picking up a bowl full of grapes.

\tNicco set the pot back down and took a sip of his coffee.  ``Let's take these out with us,'' he said, addressing Donatello.  ``Leo doesn't like to be kept waiting.''

\t``Letting someone else take the lead, darling?'' Novan cooed as they walked to the back door.\t

\t``Don and his brothers have spent their entire lives learning to be ninjas and to fight as a team,'' Nicco explained.  ``If I want to be a part of that, and I do, I have to train with them.''

\t``Where is Yoshi this morning?'' Don asked.

\t``He's still asleep,'' Novan answered.  ``Mase kindly offered to keep an eye on him.''

\t``Is he all right?'' Nicco asked with a concerned look.

\t``He is tired,'' Novan said, appearing serious for the first time that morning.  ``I am afraid those last couple of days before we came to you took a toll on him.''

\t``You should have come to us straight away,'' Nicco said.

\t``I am not going to run to you and your brother every time I encounter some sort of difficulty,'' Novan replied.

\t``Do you remember what they say about pride?'' Nicco asked, stopping at the entrance to the building behind the house.

\t``Takes one to know one, darling,'' Novan said, the smirk returning to his face.

\tShaking his head, Nicco led the way inside.  The other three turtles were already stretching when they entered and after quickly finishing their coffee, Nicco and Don joined them.  Novan took a seat on the floor to one side of the room, well away from the padded area where the action would take place.  He set the bowl on his lap and popped a grape into his mouth.

\tAs Raphael went through his warm-up routine he found himself very aware of Novan.  From the corner of his eyes he could see the albino throwing sly looks in his direction.  Every couple of minutes, Novan would slowly slide a grape into his mouth, chewing sensually and then flicking a pink tongue across his lips as though relishing every last bit of its juice.

\tRaph was used to having someone watching him during practice.  His father had critiqued every move he'd made from an early age and as Master Splinter grew older, Leo had taken over his mantle.  Both April and Casey had watched them practice on numerous occasions and April had even trained with them.

\tRather than being self-conscious about those ruby red eyes raking over him, Raph felt an overwhelming need to prove himself.  When they ran through a series of katas, every step he took was flawless.

\tAfter they had completed the routine part of their workout, Leo signaled that it was time for everyone to move off of the floor.  The group kneeled as they awaited Leo's instruction.

\t``We're going to do some one-on-one sparring,'' Leo said.  ``Nicco still needs the practice so he can learn our individual fighting techniques.''

\t``We ain't fighting in these clothes, are we?'' Raph asked, tugging at his shirt.  ``I know ya' agree with me that ya' can barely move in this stuff.  How about we strip down before we get started?''

\t``I'd like to second that motion,'' Novan said from the other side of the room.

\tNicco looked over at him.  ``Dojo etiquette, Donovan.''

\t``Pardon the interruption,'' Novan said flippantly before sliding another grape into his mouth.

\t``On this world we have to wear clothes,'' Don said.  ``Maybe it would be best if we get used to fighting in them.''

\t``I can fight in them if I have to, but ain't the point here that our advantage over this world's Hun is that he doesn't know the mutants have ninjas on their side?'' Raph asked.

\t``I'll have to go with Raph on this one,'' Leo said.  ``These clothes are loose fitting enough that they don't really hamper our movements but they do make more noise than we're used to.  We'll spar without them.''

\t``Good,'' Raph said, standing up to remove his shirt and pants.

\tThe others made short work of their clothing as well.  After folding the items neatly, they stacked them against the wall and then returned to their kneeling positions.

\t``Raph, you're with me,'' Leo said, stepping back onto the floor mats.

\tA corner of Raph's mouth lifted as he stood up to join his brother.  They bowed to one another and then shifted into defensive postures.

\tThe match was strictly hand to hand, no weapons.  Leo was on his toes, moving fast and fluidly as he danced in to make strikes and then blocked or avoided Raph's.  For his part, Raph felt more than motivated to take his brother down.  Whether it was his normal competitive streak when it came to Leo, or the fact that he had an appreciative audience, Raph didn't give it much thought.

\tThey were staying pretty even in their bout until Leo attempted a blow that he expected Raph to dodge so that he could counter it.  As soon as he saw Leo's fist coming at him, Raph knew what his brother was trying to do.

\tRather than move out of the way, Raph took the hit.  Leo was already getting set for his counter move and was off balance.  Raph caught his arm and threw his hip into Leo, dragging his brother up and over.

\tLeo hit the ground hard.  Having retained his grip on Leo's arm, Raph twisted it back and up, using his foot to flip Leo onto his plastron.  Keeping Leo's arm bent up behind his back, Raph kneeled on his brother's carapace.

\t``What do ya' say, bro'?'' Raph asked, a cocky expression on his face.

\tTapping the floor mat with his free hand, Leo said, ``Yield.''

\tRaph released him and stood aside to wait for Leo to rise.  He couldn't help glancing towards Novan, though he'd been determined not to pay any mind to their audience.

\tNovan smiled at him, a flash of respect in his expression.  Flustered, Raph quickly looked away and returned his attention to Leo so that his could return his brother's bow.

\tAs he was walking back to the sidelines, Raph heard Novan call out, ``Nice one, sweet cheeks.''  It wasn't hard to figure out that Novan was addressing him.

\tNicco didn't bother to call Novan out for his side commentary.  At a signal from Leo, both Nicco and Don stood up to spar against one another.

\tThe morning passed quickly as each turtle faced off until they had all had the chance to be matched up.  Each time Raph fought and won, his eyes would shift towards Novan who would in turn say something encouraging.

\tJust when Raph began to think he was receiving all of Donovan's attention, the albino began to ignore him in favor of throwing out compliments to the other turtles.

\tWhen Mikey bested Nicco, Donovan said, ``My, aren't you a flexible turtle''.  During Donatello's bout with Mikey, the genius' superior strength helped him to pin and keep the younger turtle down.  While Don was bent over Mikey, Donovan sang out, ``Oh, Nicco, I definitely see the attraction now!''

\tThe last fight pitted Raphael against Niccolo.  Both turtles were nearly matched in musculature, though Nicco had Raph on the height and reach advantage.

\tAs they faced off, Novan lifted his hand towards the kneeling turtles and wiggled his fingers to catch Donatello's attention.  In a loud whisper, he said, ``I think Nicco can take him.''

\tWhen Leo gave him a disapproving look, Novan said, ``Sorry darling.  Is that not done?  It was just my opinion.  I mean, look at Nicco.  He's got such a nice reach and very clever hands.  Donatello can agree with me, I'm sure.''

\tDon put a finger to his lips, his eyes widening.  Novan shrugged and returned the gesture, an impish expression on his face.

\tOf course Raph heard every word.  Fortunately he was used to training with Mikey and had learned to tune things out, but it still irked that Novan would sit there on the sidelines basically betting on who was going to win.

\tNicco struck first, leading with a jab which Raph easily blocked.  He moved back to dodge the next punch, but didn't quite make it out of range and Nicco's fist grazed his jaw.

\t``I see what you mean about that reach,'' Mikey said.  ``Raphie might be outclassed.''

\tLeo turned his head to glare at his little brother and Mikey grinned before making a zipping motion across his lips.  When Leo returned to watching the fight, Mikey glanced towards Novan, who winked at him.

\tThe match remained even for a time, but Raph soon adjusted to Nicco's build and compensated for it, much the way he had the many times he'd fought Hun.  Knowing that on this world he might eventually have to take on that blond giant again energized Raph.

\tWith a final flurry of quick moves, Raph managed to catch Nicco moving forward and flipped up and over him.  As he spun in mid-air, Raph grabbed the upper edge of the larger turtle's carapace and yanked down on it.

\tThe momentum and Raph's body weight dragged Nicco backwards and down.  Raph landed lightly and then leaped again, slamming an elbow into Nicco's stomach as he came down on top of him.

\tIt was enough to knock the breath out of the older turtle, giving Raph time to pin him.  When Nicco tapped out, Raph jumped to his feet and shouted, ``Yeah!  That's right!''

\tBreathing heavily, Raph stared pointedly at Novan, his gold eyes flashing.  Without removing his gaze from the albino, Raph reached down to help Nicco up.

\tNovan contemplated Raph with a look that held a certain amount of admiration.  He didn't seem satisfied to leave it at that though.

\t``Well, if Nicco hasn't been training with the four of you for very long, he's certainly doing a splendid job catching up,'' Novan said, the corners of his mouth lifted in amusement.  ``It took you awhile to beat a novice.''

\tRaph's eyes narrowed dangerously.  ``It's damn easy to sit on the sidelines making comments.  Why don't ya' get off your butt and show us what you've got.''

\t``Against you, darling?'' Novan asked, his eye ridges lifting.

\tResting his fists on his hips, Raph said, ``Yeah, come on.  I'll even take it easy on ya'.''

\tNicco had taken his place next to Don and seemed about to say something, but then changed his mind and held his tongue.  Don saw the movement and frowned at his mate, who shook his head.

\tSetting the bowl of grapes aside, Novan rose easily to his feet, his motion smooth and fluid.  Hands behind his back, he sashayed towards Raph, moving neither too fast nor too slow.

\tAs he approached the larger turtle, it appeared that Novan wasn't going to stop, so Raph shifted his stance.  He was just lifting his hands when both of Novan's flashed forwards and something hit Raph full in the face.

\tSwiping frantically at the grapes that were pelting his skin and eyes, Raph suddenly felt something slam against his ankles.  His legs went out from under him and he hit the ground.

\tNovan pounced on top of him, grasping the top edge of his plastron and leaning in close.  As Raph's arms lifted to push the albino off, Novan churred.

\tThe sound immediately froze Raphael.  Shocked into complete immobility, Raph didn't move in time to avoid having Novan grasp his wrists and pin his hands down next to his head.

\tNovan's grip was surprisingly strong and he leaned his entire weight on his hands so that Raph couldn't move his arms.  Though Raph could have twisted his body to try and pitch Novan off, the position they were in was already somewhat embarrassing, considering the effect that churr had already had on him.

\t``That's not fighting!'' Raph spluttered indignantly.

\t``That's called street fighting, darling,'' Novan said.  His eyes traced over Raph's body.  ``I figured you'd know something about that, but I guess appearance isn't everything.''

\t``I know plenty about street fighting,'' Raph said.  ``Ya' should have said ya' wanted to fight dirty.''

\tNovan released Raph's wrists, his smirk turning into a cheeky grin as he raised a hand to show off his claws.  ``Be glad I didn't use these.''

\t``Ahem,'' Leo said, getting their attention.  ``I believe we've probably had enough training for one day.''

\tDonovan climbed off of Raph with the same supple movements he usually displayed, turning his back on the big turtle as he walked off the floor.  He didn't see the look of grudging appreciation that Raph shot in his direction.  It didn't last long as Raph realized he'd been left to clean up the grapes that had been smashed during their altercation.

\tPicking up the bowl he'd brought with him, Novan waited for the other turtles to begin filing past him.  When Nicco drew near, the pair exchanged looks and Donatello was close enough to read them.  What he saw on Nicco's face clearly said, ``I know what you're doing.''

\tThough Don didn't know Novan well, he could swear that his responding smirk said, ``I don't know what you're talking about.''

\tDonatello was fairly certain that Novan did know what Nicco meant and that it had something specifically to do with Raphael.

\tLater he would get Niccolo alone again.  When he did, Don would ask him exactly what he thought was going on.

TBC........

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